In boxing, there are two stances – southpaw and orthodox. Neither one is necessarily better than the other, but there are key differences to understand about each.
In this blog, we’ll review what sets the southpaw stance apart, as well as some of the advantages and challenges that come with it.
Whether you’re naturally right-handed or born a lefty, having confidence in your boxing stance is what’s most important.
Defining the Southpaw Stance
So, what is the southpaw stance and where does the originate?
Many believe the origin of “southpaw” comes from baseball as slang for left-handed pitchers as they face west toward the batter, meaning their throwing arm would be south.
Boxers choose their stance based on whether they’re left- or right-handed. The orthodox stance is the go-to for right-handed fighters with the left hand and left foot forward.
The transfer of power in this stance comes from the dominant back (right) foot and right punching arm. Alternatively, in a southpaw stance, the positioning is opposite.
For southpaws, the right hand and right foot are forward since the power comes from the dominant left hand.
What Is the Southpaw Stance Advantage?
Though the southpaw boxing stance is considered “unorthodox,” there are advantages that come with it, such as:
The Element of Surprise
Right-handed fighters are used to the positioning and protection needed when facing others with an orthodox stance. The switch to a southpaw stance adds an element of surprise and can throw opponents off balance if they’re not prepared.
"The Southpaw Jab"
Even if a fighter naturally maintains an orthodox stance, it’s valuable to train with a southpaw fighting stance as well. The dominant hand can be reserved for hard-hitting, knockout punches, while the southpaw jab can be effective in landing on the opponent's blind side.
Angles and Footwork
In addition to effective punches, swift footwork is also key in boxing. The unexpected angles of southpaw fighters can be used to their advantage, preventing opponents from predicting movements as well as creating unique patterns to swiftly duck out of the way or advance.
Challenges of the Southpaw Stance
The uniqueness of the southpaw stance also comes with its own set of challenges, making the advantage of alternating between orthodox and southpaw stances extra valuable.
Scarcity in Sparring Partners
Finding southpaws to train with can be few and far between as most fighters are right-handed. Therefore, it can be challenging to get up-to-speed with lefty punch tactics without having someone to practice with on a regular basis.
Adapting to Orthodox Opponents
Lefties are used to adapting to a right-handed world, but those who favor a southpaw stance must adapt to fighting orthodox opponents. Essentially, everything is opposite to what they’re used to and can make it more difficult to have a direct path to body shots.
Double the Training
Although dual training is valuable for both orthodox and southpaw boxers, lefties must build dominance in their non-dominant hands. Ultimately, this helps enhance power and performance but can take time to adjust to different punching styles and techniques.
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Famous Southpaw Boxers
If you’re a southpaw boxer, you’re in good company. Legendary champions like Manny Pacquiao, Marvin Hagler, and Pernell Whitaker all used their left-handed stance to contribute to their success.
Pacquiao credits his trainer with preparing to face orthodox opponents, while Hagler notably used his southpaw stance to get his power hand - his right hand - closer to opponents’ chins.
Whereas, Whitaker used the “unorthodox” advantage to become one of the most technically skilled defensive boxers, defeating 40 opponents throughout his career.
Standing Confident as a Southpaw
Boxing training requires perfecting form, skills, and techniques as you increase power and overall performance. However, the uniqueness of the unexpected attributed to the southpaw stance can give you the upper hand.
Every boxe eventually finds their own fighting style, so it’s valuable to switch up your training and introduce new boxing techniques to your sessions, even if it means switching to being a southpaw for a few workouts.
Regardless of your boxing stance, arm yourself with the best boxing gloves on the market. Every detail makes a difference when getting to the next level of your fight journey.
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